McCain: 'Skeptical' of Russia plan

Sen. John McCain said Tuesday he is skeptical of a proposal from Russia to Syria that the country turn over all its chemical weapons to the international community, but he also said it would be a “mistake” to not see where it goes.

The Arizona Republican credited the threat of military action from the United States with getting Russia and Syria to move on the issue, but told “CBS This Morning” that he doesn’t expect much from Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Story Continued Below

“I’m very skeptical, and we should be since Bashar Assad has refused to acknowledge that he even has chemical weapons,” McCain said Tuesday. “I think the best test right away would be the Syrian acceptance of international monitors to go to these chemical weapons sites and get them under control immediately. … If he’s serious, then let the monitors in there right away.”

While McCain said he believes the U.S. must still seek to remove Assad from power, the new proposal would delay congressional action, and should.

“Obviously, it has to now … as far as Congress is concerned, because we have to see how this plays out. Again, put me down as extremely skeptical, but to not pursue this option would be a mistake,” McCain said.

McCain said not only is he skeptical of Assad, but Russia’s actions thus far do not give that government much credibility.

“When you see the plane-loads of Russian arms flying into Damascus on a daily basis, tons and tons, when you see the Russian veto time after time of any resolution in the Security Council, I think it’s ample reason to be skeptical,” McCain said during another Tuesday appearance on CNN’s “New Day.”

The senator said he hopes President Barack Obama makes a strong case to the American people in his White House address Tuesday night because right now they are confused. McCain said he understands the concern that was on display at his “spirited” town halls, but he still believes action must be taken to preserve America’s credibility.

“If the president of the United States says there’s a red line and then the red line is crossed repeatedly and we don’t act, then there’s no credibility,” McCain said. “But I understand the skepticism of the American people because of the incoherence, to a large degree, of the message from the president and the administration.”